“We will set fees at a level that reflects the value of the product,” said the
report. The value of that product will chiefly be determined by the contrast
in waiting times.

We, as travellers, are already paying for these services through taxes and
airport charges. We deserve faster, better, more efficient immigration and
security systems, not more expensive ones.

The proposal is yet another example of travellers being seen as soft targets
for easy revenue raising. Airport tax (APD) has more than doubled for those
flying to Europe, from £5 to £13, since 2007. And for those heading farther
afield, it has risen from £20 to between £67 and £94.

In the meantime airports are being more and more cynical in the way they look
to extract money from us. You now have to pay simply to drop off and pick up
passengers at the Stansted main terminal in a private car. Last year,
Norwich Airport doubled its “Airport Development Fee”, which must be paid by
all adult passengers – in addition to the fees and charges already included
in airfares – when they go into the departure lounge, to £10. Blackpool,
Durham Tees Valley and Newquay airports make similar charges of between
£6-£10.

Meanwhile, the cost of rail fares to London airports are vastly higher than
services of a comparable length to other destinations. Now the Home Office
is looking for ways of extracting even more money out of us.

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